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Victorian Bookshop Mystery #2
The Counterfeit Lady: A Victorian era clean cozy mystery
Who would suspect antiquarian bookseller Georgia Fenchurch of leading a double life—as a private investigator for the clandestine Archivist Society in Victorian London? When England’s national security is compromised, Georgia must pose as a titled lady to root out a spy…
A cousin of Georgia’s dear friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf, is brutally murdered in her home during the theft of blueprints of a new battleship designed by her husband—who now stands accused of her murder…and treason. The Duke of Blackford, in service to Whitehall, enlists Georgia and the Archivist Society to assist in the investigation. Playing the part of the duke’s new paramour, Georgia gains entry into the upper echelons of London’s elite, where amidst elegant dinners and elaborate parties a master spy schemes to lay hands on the stolen plans.
The duke is no stranger to the world of international espionage, but Georgia is out of her element in more ways than one. She must not allow her genuine attraction to the duke—or her obsession with finding her parents’ killer—to distract her from her role. But when a mysterious stranger threatens to expose her, the counterfeit lady may be in real trouble…
A cousin of Georgia’s dear friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf, is brutally murdered in her home during the theft of blueprints of a new battleship designed by her husband—who now stands accused of her murder…and treason. The Duke of Blackford, in service to Whitehall, enlists Georgia and the Archivist Society to assist in the investigation. Playing the part of the duke’s new paramour, Georgia gains entry into the upper echelons of London’s elite, where amidst elegant dinners and elaborate parties a master spy schemes to lay hands on the stolen plans.
The duke is no stranger to the world of international espionage, but Georgia is out of her element in more ways than one. She must not allow her genuine attraction to the duke—or her obsession with finding her parents’ killer—to distract her from her role. But when a mysterious stranger threatens to expose her, the counterfeit lady may be in real trouble…
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
303 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Kate Parker
29 books746 followersKate began reading Agatha Christie mysteries and the Nancy Drew books while her classmates were reading Dick and Jane. She particularly likes historical mysteries and the feeling of time travel a good historical book can give the reader. Combined with her love of late Victorian to World War II architecture and fashions, she found an outlet for the stories and characters that fill her head by writing The Victorian Bookshop Mysteries, The Milliner Mysteries, and The Deadly series, as well as taking part in the Christmas Revels anthologies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
So far, Kate has put out four free short stories, The Missing Brooch (Victorian Bookshop Mystery), Emily's First Case (Milliner Mysteries), and The Missing Maps and A Christmas Mystery (Deadly Series), to her newsletter list. The Mystery at Chadwick House is a novella that is free for newsletter subscribers or can be purchased at retailers. Sign up at www.KateParkerbooks.com to get free copies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 14, 2015
While I loved the first book, this was was even better :) A more complicated mystery and higher stakes plus getting to know these people better *thumbs up*
Loved the moments with Emma/Sumner (so cute those two!) and Georgia/Blackford... I want to give society a good smack on the heads for their views and traditions regarding the peerage... idiots.
It did lag a little bit in this one as the investigation was being set up, but it wasn't for long and never pulled me out of the story.
The ending of catching the perpetrators wasn't as exciting as the first book but it was well done and once again I was surprised at the identity of one person responsible (although not surprised at the others).
The last part of the book is a nice set up for the next installment, can't wait to see what Georgia and the gang does next :).
One of my favorite quotes from it:
Loved the moments with Emma/Sumner (so cute those two!) and Georgia/Blackford... I want to give society a good smack on the heads for their views and traditions regarding the peerage... idiots.
It did lag a little bit in this one as the investigation was being set up, but it wasn't for long and never pulled me out of the story.
The ending of catching the perpetrators wasn't as exciting as the first book but it was well done and once again I was surprised at the identity of one person responsible (although not surprised at the others).
The last part of the book is a nice set up for the next installment, can't wait to see what Georgia and the gang does next :).
One of my favorite quotes from it:
February 19, 2015
Looks like I found another new favorite series to keep up with. You got a historical setting, a bookshop and spy stuff. How could I not like this?
I think I'm seeing a pattern with the covers, where the first one is in the bookshop and this we're at another location. And of course it has to do with the story so that's nice.
Anyway, this time around, Georgia is to disguise herself as a Lady and you can guess there's moments with her and Blackford. I was thinking, wow that's some tension those two have going don't they? Makes the series fun. But then there's Emma and Sumner, who are adorable by the way.
This was good. Quite the breeze through it was. Looking forward to the next one. Wonder what the bookshop owner will solve next. Oh and that ending. Interesting set up. Curious as to where it will go. Pretty good sequel.
I think I'm seeing a pattern with the covers, where the first one is in the bookshop and this we're at another location. And of course it has to do with the story so that's nice.
Anyway, this time around, Georgia is to disguise herself as a Lady and you can guess there's moments with her and Blackford. I was thinking, wow that's some tension those two have going don't they? Makes the series fun. But then there's Emma and Sumner, who are adorable by the way.
This was good. Quite the breeze through it was. Looking forward to the next one. Wonder what the bookshop owner will solve next. Oh and that ending. Interesting set up. Curious as to where it will go. Pretty good sequel.
January 16, 2016
Who would suspect antiquarian bookseller Georgia Fenchurch of leading a double life—as a private investigator for the clandestine Archivist Society in Victorian London? When England’s national security is compromised, Georgia must pose as a titled lady to root out a spy…
Georgia, Lady Phyllida Monthalf and Emma return in this second Victorian Bookshop Mystery, as do the members of the Archivist Society and The Duke of Blackford. This time of Lady Monthalf’s cousin Clara has been killed and a set of very important blueprints stolen. Clara’s husband has been arrested for treason and his wife’s murder. The Duke of Blackford enlists Georgia, Emma and Lady Phyllida’s help to catch the real killer. The fun begins when Georgia learns she will be playing the part of the duke’s new paramour, as if she doesn’t already get nervous enough around him. Georgia, a middle class bookshop owner posing as a titled Lady, what could go wrong? Well as we have learned with Georgia anything and everything.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Georgia is an extraordinary character and she is doing double duty trying to keep her bookshop afloat with a little help from her Archivist Society members while dashing off to party after party on the arm of the Duke, all in an effort to find the missing plans and the person responsible for a very brutal murder. She is a very intelligent woman but at times the clues take both her and the reader in circles. Plus she finds herself more and more drawn to the Duke of Blackford. Her mind knows a relationship between classes is highly unlikely but her heart is full of hope.
I thought the story had a real Cinderella vibe. From the moment the plan was put together both Georgia and Emma, who is acting at “Lady Georgina’s” maid, are treated to new clothes and all the accessories. Georgia attends fancy balls and dinners with the Duke arriving in the most beautiful carriages.
The mystery was quite good too as it appears that only Clara and her husband Kenneth were in a locked room when the robbery and murder took place. There are several suspects but placing them in that room is tough. Remember this story is set in Victorian times, no CSI techs checking for fingerprints and DNA.
I started reading this book on a beach during our recent Family Fun Day and I quickly noticed this was a book that needed my full attention, so I put it away and picked it back up as soon as I could the next evening and finished it at 2:14 a.m. the next morning. Once I started reading I just could not stop.
Parker takes us back in time and keeps us on our toes with very interesting characters, history and mystery. She adds a nice balance of humor and romance too. The dialogues were very entertaining. Anxious for book #3.
Georgia, Lady Phyllida Monthalf and Emma return in this second Victorian Bookshop Mystery, as do the members of the Archivist Society and The Duke of Blackford. This time of Lady Monthalf’s cousin Clara has been killed and a set of very important blueprints stolen. Clara’s husband has been arrested for treason and his wife’s murder. The Duke of Blackford enlists Georgia, Emma and Lady Phyllida’s help to catch the real killer. The fun begins when Georgia learns she will be playing the part of the duke’s new paramour, as if she doesn’t already get nervous enough around him. Georgia, a middle class bookshop owner posing as a titled Lady, what could go wrong? Well as we have learned with Georgia anything and everything.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Georgia is an extraordinary character and she is doing double duty trying to keep her bookshop afloat with a little help from her Archivist Society members while dashing off to party after party on the arm of the Duke, all in an effort to find the missing plans and the person responsible for a very brutal murder. She is a very intelligent woman but at times the clues take both her and the reader in circles. Plus she finds herself more and more drawn to the Duke of Blackford. Her mind knows a relationship between classes is highly unlikely but her heart is full of hope.
I thought the story had a real Cinderella vibe. From the moment the plan was put together both Georgia and Emma, who is acting at “Lady Georgina’s” maid, are treated to new clothes and all the accessories. Georgia attends fancy balls and dinners with the Duke arriving in the most beautiful carriages.
The mystery was quite good too as it appears that only Clara and her husband Kenneth were in a locked room when the robbery and murder took place. There are several suspects but placing them in that room is tough. Remember this story is set in Victorian times, no CSI techs checking for fingerprints and DNA.
I started reading this book on a beach during our recent Family Fun Day and I quickly noticed this was a book that needed my full attention, so I put it away and picked it back up as soon as I could the next evening and finished it at 2:14 a.m. the next morning. Once I started reading I just could not stop.
Parker takes us back in time and keeps us on our toes with very interesting characters, history and mystery. She adds a nice balance of humor and romance too. The dialogues were very entertaining. Anxious for book #3.
January 18, 2018
Unfortunately, I found it repetitive and predictable. There were too many romantic thoughts in the protagonist and not enough mystery.
February 7, 2019
The second entry in the Victorian Bookshop mystery series, this one has Georgia pretending to be an aristocrat and attending high society events with the Duke of Blackford as well as other members of the Archivist Society as they all attempt to solve a murder and stop someone from committing treason against England. It is as well-written as the first in the series, and is definitely a good read!
December 23, 2014
Miss Georgia Parker, spinster and bookshop owner, is content with her middle-class life - mostly. She hopes one day to avenge her parents' deaths at the hands of a mysterious antiquarian book collector and occasionally dreams that the handsome Duke of Blackford will take her in his arms. When the Duke appears with bad news for Georgia's friend Lady Phyllida Monthalf, Georgia is plunged into an investigation of murder and treason. In order to find out who killed her friend's cousin, she must pose as a wealthy widow from the Far East returning to London and her former paramour, the Duke of Blackford. The Duke arranges everything and Georgia resents his high-handed manner but she agrees to the task to help her friend. When she spies her parents' killer, she has further motivation to find the missing blueprints and Phyllida's cousin's murderer so she can finally seek revenge. The Duke threatens to derail Georgia's focus with his close proximity but she knows she can never be a Duchess.
This story is a bit different from a typical cozy mystery. The heroine is a member of a secret organization. I'm not sure what they do or why they call themselves the Archivist Society not having read the first book. Also, the Archivist Society has a very good idea of who did it, they just have to catch the person. There's no real "whodunnit" in this book, though there are some red herrings that keep the story interesting though not fast paced. There are some details that make the time period but it was hard to remember this was Victorian because the language and characters sounded so modern. Even some of the plot details sounded too modern for the Victorian era. Why can't everyone be Georgette Heyer? I also noticed that Lady Phyllida is called Lady Monthalf but Georgia states that Phyllida is single so I believe she should be Lady Phyllida and not Lady Monthalf. The big reveal wasn't a huge surprise but it left me confused because there were several villains. I guessed correctly and wrong at the same time because I had forgotten completely about a certain foreign person who was mentioned once early on in the novel. I had the right person but not the right motive. There is WAY too much backstory in this novel. More than there should be for a second book, more than can be contained in the first book! It seems that Phyllida's brother was Jack the Ripper?! The story concludes with room for another mystery but if there isn't, there aren't really any loose ends.
I wanted to like Georgia, being a middle-class spinster archivist but I found her a bit cold. I don't really know why she loves the Duke, other than she's attracted to him and he's a bit more straight-laced than most of his fellow nobles. She has a lot of backstory that takes up a lot of the book but it doesn't really develop her character. She keeps worrying about her shop but she doesn't really say why her shop is so important to her other than it's her livelihood. She's tough and doesn't let emotions rule her. She's a very modern heroine and a bit too modern for the late Victorian age. She'd be more at home a few decades later in the Edwardian era or 20s and 30s. Other than her clothes, she's not really a Victorian character.
The Duke is enigmatic. We don't know much about him. He's kind of a nicer Mr. Darcy type. He's very straight-laced like Mr. Darcy, at least on the surface. The story doesn't dig deeper into his backstory.
I liked Phyllida the best. She was the most Victorian and had the most backstory. I felt sorry for her that she has had such a rough life but she rises to the occasion and stays strong throughout.
Emma was my other favorite character. Her beautiful face hides a tough girl from the East End who knows how to wield a knife. I love how she uses her looks to her advantage to keep people from suspecting she isn't who she says she is. The other characters are rather two-dimensional. Lady Bennett is a typical spiteful lady though she has a small amount of depth to her character. I liked Lady Peters but wasn't sure about her being worthy of liking. She seemed to like Sir Henry who is a completely nasty character. I think Clara Gattenger sounds like she would have been an interesting character to know. Her mysterious bruises were never fully explained. I had a theory about them but then something else was brought up which gave me a new theory. There should have been more about her.
If there's another mystery and the library gets it, I'll probably read it.
This story is a bit different from a typical cozy mystery. The heroine is a member of a secret organization. I'm not sure what they do or why they call themselves the Archivist Society not having read the first book. Also, the Archivist Society has a very good idea of who did it, they just have to catch the person. There's no real "whodunnit" in this book, though there are some red herrings that keep the story interesting though not fast paced. There are some details that make the time period but it was hard to remember this was Victorian because the language and characters sounded so modern. Even some of the plot details sounded too modern for the Victorian era. Why can't everyone be Georgette Heyer? I also noticed that Lady Phyllida is called Lady Monthalf but Georgia states that Phyllida is single so I believe she should be Lady Phyllida and not Lady Monthalf. The big reveal wasn't a huge surprise but it left me confused because there were several villains. I guessed correctly and wrong at the same time because I had forgotten completely about a certain foreign person who was mentioned once early on in the novel. I had the right person but not the right motive. There is WAY too much backstory in this novel. More than there should be for a second book, more than can be contained in the first book! It seems that Phyllida's brother was Jack the Ripper?! The story concludes with room for another mystery but if there isn't, there aren't really any loose ends.
I wanted to like Georgia, being a middle-class spinster archivist but I found her a bit cold. I don't really know why she loves the Duke, other than she's attracted to him and he's a bit more straight-laced than most of his fellow nobles. She has a lot of backstory that takes up a lot of the book but it doesn't really develop her character. She keeps worrying about her shop but she doesn't really say why her shop is so important to her other than it's her livelihood. She's tough and doesn't let emotions rule her. She's a very modern heroine and a bit too modern for the late Victorian age. She'd be more at home a few decades later in the Edwardian era or 20s and 30s. Other than her clothes, she's not really a Victorian character.
The Duke is enigmatic. We don't know much about him. He's kind of a nicer Mr. Darcy type. He's very straight-laced like Mr. Darcy, at least on the surface. The story doesn't dig deeper into his backstory.
I liked Phyllida the best. She was the most Victorian and had the most backstory. I felt sorry for her that she has had such a rough life but she rises to the occasion and stays strong throughout.
Emma was my other favorite character. Her beautiful face hides a tough girl from the East End who knows how to wield a knife. I love how she uses her looks to her advantage to keep people from suspecting she isn't who she says she is. The other characters are rather two-dimensional. Lady Bennett is a typical spiteful lady though she has a small amount of depth to her character. I liked Lady Peters but wasn't sure about her being worthy of liking. She seemed to like Sir Henry who is a completely nasty character. I think Clara Gattenger sounds like she would have been an interesting character to know. Her mysterious bruises were never fully explained. I had a theory about them but then something else was brought up which gave me a new theory. There should have been more about her.
If there's another mystery and the library gets it, I'll probably read it.
August 3, 2015
I'm a bit disappointed by this second book of The victorian bookshop mystery
series, especially after the first that I liked very much. Not get me wrong, the writing and the story are good but I felt my attention wavering at time, it was a slow burn. This time the mystery was a bit confused and I had a hard time to keep track on investigation . Georgia is always a amazing woman, clever and brilliant but this time she seems less independent and brave and more be sorry to be "not noble enough" to marry the duke. And, while I appreciate the realism and the coherence about historic period, also I don't dislike a bit of romanticism. So, my opinion on the Duke of Blackford is still hanging because I'm not too convinced by him and his personality and behavior. However this is a book and a series very well wrote and worth to read.
series, especially after the first that I liked very much. Not get me wrong, the writing and the story are good but I felt my attention wavering at time, it was a slow burn. This time the mystery was a bit confused and I had a hard time to keep track on investigation . Georgia is always a amazing woman, clever and brilliant but this time she seems less independent and brave and more be sorry to be "not noble enough" to marry the duke. And, while I appreciate the realism and the coherence about historic period, also I don't dislike a bit of romanticism. So, my opinion on the Duke of Blackford is still hanging because I'm not too convinced by him and his personality and behavior. However this is a book and a series very well wrote and worth to read.
July 25, 2016
This book was OK in parts and annoying in other parts. If they could have left out or changed those annoying parts . . . Anyway, apparently it's the second in a series, but I found it not too hard to follow. Except all this info-dropping that could not have been all included in the first book. Also the "romance" was her thinking about the case, and then randomly how good he smells or something, which I find annoying. Also wailing constantly about how he is a duke, which was also annoying. Also, the setting did not seem very Victorian, nor did the actions of the characters, which I also found, you know, annoying.
November 16, 2014
I swear I tried really hard to get into this one. I read three long chapters that bored the pants off of me. My kids didn't like seeing me pant-less, so I had to return it to the library.
May 26, 2022
Georgia Fenchurch and the Archivist Society are back on the job. This time someone has stolen top-secret plans for a brand new British warship. The wife of the designer has been killed, the plans are missing, and Kenneth Gattenger, the designer, has been arrested for murder...and treason. The police believe Clara Gattenger discovered that her husband had sold out Britain to Germany and got killed for her knowledge. But Clara was Lady Phyllidia Monthalf's cousin and she doesn't believe a word of it. She wants the society to find the real killer. The Duke of Blackford also wants Georgia...and the society...to investigate on behalf of Queen and country.
Georgia plays the part of Lady Monthalf's widowed cousin, just arrived home from India, and the duke's latest paramour in order to have an entrance to society. For most of the possible suspects travel in much different circles from a middle-class bookshop owner. Between Georgia's sleuthing and a society member who goes undercover in the Admiralty to look for spies, they soon have more suspects than they know what to do with. Kenneth's eye for drawing aids them in producing a good likeness of the thief...now they just have to figure out to whom he will deliver the plans. And they need to do it before a mysterious stranger blows Georgia's cover.
The mystery itself is a good one. I enjoyed following up all the of the suspects and trying to figure out who was hiding what. They all have secrets, but only one of them is a secret spy. So, the intricate nature of the plot earns high points. The main difficulty is the repetitive nature of Georgia's involvement. I know London's a big a place, but surely to goodness it's difficult enough for a middle-class bookshop owner to pretend to be a member of society once without being found out. And she does it again in this book? And somebody does discover her secret (two somebodies, actually) and doesn't let the cat out of the bag? It's a bit much to swallow. She also found the hidden plans a little too easily--especially considering she was in an unfamiliar house. Oh...and for an experienced member of the society, I did think it odd that she blurted out information to Sir Jonah Denby...even after Blackford said he didn't know him.
I enjoy Georgia and all of the other recurring characters. Her relationship with Phyllidia and Emma is particularly good. When she has her mind on the job (and not wool-gathering over Blackford), she makes a pretty good sleuth. I have the next book in the series and am looking forward to it, but I certainly hope Parker takes the investigation in another direction--no more play-acting as a member of London society, please.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
Georgia plays the part of Lady Monthalf's widowed cousin, just arrived home from India, and the duke's latest paramour in order to have an entrance to society. For most of the possible suspects travel in much different circles from a middle-class bookshop owner. Between Georgia's sleuthing and a society member who goes undercover in the Admiralty to look for spies, they soon have more suspects than they know what to do with. Kenneth's eye for drawing aids them in producing a good likeness of the thief...now they just have to figure out to whom he will deliver the plans. And they need to do it before a mysterious stranger blows Georgia's cover.
The mystery itself is a good one. I enjoyed following up all the of the suspects and trying to figure out who was hiding what. They all have secrets, but only one of them is a secret spy. So, the intricate nature of the plot earns high points. The main difficulty is the repetitive nature of Georgia's involvement. I know London's a big a place, but surely to goodness it's difficult enough for a middle-class bookshop owner to pretend to be a member of society once without being found out. And she does it again in this book? And somebody does discover her secret (two somebodies, actually) and doesn't let the cat out of the bag? It's a bit much to swallow. She also found the hidden plans a little too easily--especially considering she was in an unfamiliar house. Oh...and for an experienced member of the society, I did think it odd that she blurted out information to Sir Jonah Denby...even after Blackford said he didn't know him.
I enjoy Georgia and all of the other recurring characters. Her relationship with Phyllidia and Emma is particularly good. When she has her mind on the job (and not wool-gathering over Blackford), she makes a pretty good sleuth. I have the next book in the series and am looking forward to it, but I certainly hope Parker takes the investigation in another direction--no more play-acting as a member of London society, please.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
April 20, 2019
In Victorian England Georgia Fenchurch, bookshop owner is also a private investigator for the secret Archivist Societ
When a cousin of Georgia’s friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf, is killed in her home during which the theft of important blueprints were stolen, then she is asked to investigate. Whitehall have enlisted the Duke of Blackford to help.
I enjoyed this cocy mystery though I am not sure I took to the main female character but I look forward to reading the next in the series. My only problem was the use of the Americanism sidewalk in the story.
When a cousin of Georgia’s friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf, is killed in her home during which the theft of important blueprints were stolen, then she is asked to investigate. Whitehall have enlisted the Duke of Blackford to help.
I enjoyed this cocy mystery though I am not sure I took to the main female character but I look forward to reading the next in the series. My only problem was the use of the Americanism sidewalk in the story.
May 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this installment and plan to finish the series asap! Georgia did get her kiss, but also realized that a "Duke" would never marry a middle-class bookshop owner such as herself, and there is no way she will become a mistress to be tossed aside in favor of a member of the aristocracy who can give Blackford a legitimate heir... Good for her! Great to see she has enough self-respect not to succumb to a romantic relationship that would never satisfy her.
July 20, 2014
What a sweet dream – to be dressed in gorgeous, high-fashion finery and escorted down the spiral staircase to a ball on the arm of a handsome Duke! Georgia Fenchurch is a delightful “middle class” bookstore owner in turn of the 20th century London who specializes in rare antique volumes, but she has only briefly entertained such dreams.
Georgia is also an investigator for the behind-the-scenes Archivist Society in London, a secret group of men and women who assist with special cases, so when the Duke came to speak with her, sadly, it was about their need for her help to solve the murder and robbery. During this time in England’s history, if the stolen items – a warship’s detailed blueprints – get into the wrong hands – such as the German’s – the security of the country is at risk.
In this second Victorian Bookshop Mystery, The Counterfeit Lady, Georgia is called to play the part of a widowed Lady and rumored ‘friend’ of the Duke. Her friend Emma plays lady’s maid to ‘Lady Georgina’ and her dear friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf. She is fitted for several of the latest fashion gowns and accouterments and a cozy, more upscale home to live in with Lady Monthalf – what a dream already! While she is brought into the titled, upper-class world of Dukes, Earls, and Ladies to help solve the murder of Lady Phyllida’s cousin and find the stolen warship plans, she also frets about how her bookstore is being cared for and continues to think about and tries to solve the murder of her parents several years prior. The bookstore had belonged to her parents and it is the last tangible thing she has of theirs.
I really like Georgia! She is an intelligent, very likable young lady who loves working in her bookstore and helping solve various investigations. Seeing how she is able to fit into a world that she could only dream of, as well as seeing her look at that world through the eyes of a working class woman with humor and grace, is a delight. She plays her part well; then, as part of the drama, she has a dream come true, even if it is but a part in the investigation – to be escorted down the circular stairway with the Duke and announced as part of the ball, to waltz on air with the Duke … what an amazing moment!
The novel is very well-researched, detailed, and written. This reader enjoyed it very much, and plans to read the first novel in the series, and follow the series in the future. Kudos to Kate Parker for her excellent writing!
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Georgia is also an investigator for the behind-the-scenes Archivist Society in London, a secret group of men and women who assist with special cases, so when the Duke came to speak with her, sadly, it was about their need for her help to solve the murder and robbery. During this time in England’s history, if the stolen items – a warship’s detailed blueprints – get into the wrong hands – such as the German’s – the security of the country is at risk.
In this second Victorian Bookshop Mystery, The Counterfeit Lady, Georgia is called to play the part of a widowed Lady and rumored ‘friend’ of the Duke. Her friend Emma plays lady’s maid to ‘Lady Georgina’ and her dear friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf. She is fitted for several of the latest fashion gowns and accouterments and a cozy, more upscale home to live in with Lady Monthalf – what a dream already! While she is brought into the titled, upper-class world of Dukes, Earls, and Ladies to help solve the murder of Lady Phyllida’s cousin and find the stolen warship plans, she also frets about how her bookstore is being cared for and continues to think about and tries to solve the murder of her parents several years prior. The bookstore had belonged to her parents and it is the last tangible thing she has of theirs.
I really like Georgia! She is an intelligent, very likable young lady who loves working in her bookstore and helping solve various investigations. Seeing how she is able to fit into a world that she could only dream of, as well as seeing her look at that world through the eyes of a working class woman with humor and grace, is a delight. She plays her part well; then, as part of the drama, she has a dream come true, even if it is but a part in the investigation – to be escorted down the circular stairway with the Duke and announced as part of the ball, to waltz on air with the Duke … what an amazing moment!
The novel is very well-researched, detailed, and written. This reader enjoyed it very much, and plans to read the first novel in the series, and follow the series in the future. Kudos to Kate Parker for her excellent writing!
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
October 4, 2022
Wasn’t expecting the twists and turns and did NOT see the ending coming. Already reading next in the series. I do love a good historical mystery!
February 5, 2023
ReRd ebook 9781101617403
I like this series more for setting than plot. Georgia and higher-class Lord get closer, cannot get together until author decides. I'd like to return to one-shot books, but that is not the trend.
Georgia Fenchurch, Victorian London bookshop owner, blurts out secret Archivist Society case to stranger "Sir Jonah Denby" p 54, again even after "Blackford didn't know him" p 152. She is too gullible. Denby could be a villain chasing same missing blueprints.
Her live-in "Aunt" Phyllida is related and cared about cousin Clara killed and likes accused husband Ken Gattenberg. He draws burglar who stole papers and committed murder.
Duke Blackford and Georgia enjoy pretending to be sweetheart re-united, formerly "Mr Ranleigh" and fake "Georgina Monthalf" p 70. She may not be upper-crust, but some are her customers. Shaky pretense.
"Heat wave .. baking the horse manure" p 118 lends atmosphere. For a real sense of Napoleon-time language and interaction, try Patrick O'Brian's Jack Aubrey and Dr pal series.
Distractions pull Georgia and readers hither thither. Gattenberg servant Mary remembers washing blood from sheets. Mistress "bruised easy" p 143. Known "Russian and Austrians", unknown "French and Spanish" p 181 agents all seek same warship blueprints. After this case, Blackford offers to help find her parents' killer who sends letters, "didn't sign" p 223, finally signed "V. Farkas" p 312.
I like this series more for setting than plot. Georgia and higher-class Lord get closer, cannot get together until author decides. I'd like to return to one-shot books, but that is not the trend.
Georgia Fenchurch, Victorian London bookshop owner, blurts out secret Archivist Society case to stranger "Sir Jonah Denby" p 54, again even after "Blackford didn't know him" p 152. She is too gullible. Denby could be a villain chasing same missing blueprints.
Her live-in "Aunt" Phyllida is related and cared about cousin Clara killed and likes accused husband Ken Gattenberg. He draws burglar who stole papers and committed murder.
Duke Blackford and Georgia enjoy pretending to be sweetheart re-united, formerly "Mr Ranleigh" and fake "Georgina Monthalf" p 70. She may not be upper-crust, but some are her customers. Shaky pretense.
"Heat wave .. baking the horse manure" p 118 lends atmosphere. For a real sense of Napoleon-time language and interaction, try Patrick O'Brian's Jack Aubrey and Dr pal series.
Distractions pull Georgia and readers hither thither. Gattenberg servant Mary remembers washing blood from sheets. Mistress "bruised easy" p 143. Known "Russian and Austrians", unknown "French and Spanish" p 181 agents all seek same warship blueprints. After this case, Blackford offers to help find her parents' killer who sends letters, "didn't sign" p 223, finally signed "V. Farkas" p 312.
July 5, 2014
I won this book on a giveaway on Goodreads. And it was okay. It started off slow and near the end it had the right speed and then at the ending it went fast. It had it's nice moments but not as enjoyable as I would have liked. It also reminded me of the old romance dime store novels mixed with a little more modern style. But had some nice elements otherwise it was okay.
October 30, 2015
I was drawn into the first novel and rushed to get the second, mostly to see if the detective lady would get her manly friend, but no satisfaction, haha. The author must be counting on stringing readers along with it. There were bigger holes and lazy modern language and I eventually had to stop turning down corners because there were so many eye-rolling episodes. Okay, but ultimately irritating.
October 28, 2022
This book is the second in the series, but if one is to start the series, this seems a much better place as the writing is much better and main character much more relatable. Whereas in the first book Georgia comes across as arrogant, hypocritical, and self-righteous, in this one she is much more grounded, still arrogant but not so much in a harsh or jarring way. Many of her actions make much more sense and it's easier to sympathize with her.
In this book Georgia has to act the part of an aristocrat. She's basically thrown into the role against her will and has to figure out how to act and not betray her middle-class roots. It's a fun contrast to see how she tries to remember how to behave and act versus her desire to just do what she loves- be a bookshop owner. The writer does a good job of grounding her character in the practicalities of her life versus the affluent spare time of the aristocracy. The duke of Blackford is back in this book and remains very much the same as he was in the previous book. Also back happily are the members of the Archivist Society including Emma, Fogerty, Jacob and Francis and Blackford's hired man Sumner.
The reader also gets to see a bit more of Phyllida which was nice as, throughout the book Georgia and friends are on the hunt to find out what really happened to Phyllida's close relation, Clara, & Kenny and uncover the true story that caused Clara to lose her life.
Georgia as a character seems to have stabilized from the last book. She's still got her sense of self-importance, but it seems to be tempered with better sense. Though she still does do outlandishly idiotic things, like go chasing after her parent's murder through a busy street without a thought as to what she will do when/if she catches up. Her obsession with her parents' killer is a little annoying at times as she seem to behave like a child throwing a tantrum.
Her foolishness does have consequences which was nice to see while allowing the readers to understand that other characters like Blackford and Phyllida, do have a good head on their shoulders. It was also a nice change of pace that when a character is injured, they are actually injured, and not say, out climbing walls on legs that were broken an hour ago- which definitely does not happen in this book. But Georgia is injured and has to deal with the complications that arise because of it.
The worldbuilding was good. The reader could picture the setting and action as it was taking place and very thankfully the transitions have improved tremendously. There is a much smoother flow between chapters and scene changes compared to the previous book. This makes the storyline much easier to follow and the plot move along nicely.
Overall, this second book definitely surpasses the first in writing and characterization. If one is going to start the series, I would recommend starting here and then going back and reading the previous book if one is interested in the occurrences with the caveat to expect poor, stilted and jarring transitions between scenes and chapters and rather less-than sympathetic Georgia.
In this book, though the overall plot and subplots are interesting. Perhaps most interesting was the dynamic between Kenny and Clara and the motivation for those characters to behave as they did. Although it was a little obvious who the perpetrator was early on as several clues are given, and it just takes Georgia a little longer to come to the conclusion, it was still a fun light read.
In this book Georgia has to act the part of an aristocrat. She's basically thrown into the role against her will and has to figure out how to act and not betray her middle-class roots. It's a fun contrast to see how she tries to remember how to behave and act versus her desire to just do what she loves- be a bookshop owner. The writer does a good job of grounding her character in the practicalities of her life versus the affluent spare time of the aristocracy. The duke of Blackford is back in this book and remains very much the same as he was in the previous book. Also back happily are the members of the Archivist Society including Emma, Fogerty, Jacob and Francis and Blackford's hired man Sumner.
The reader also gets to see a bit more of Phyllida which was nice as, throughout the book Georgia and friends are on the hunt to find out what really happened to Phyllida's close relation, Clara, & Kenny and uncover the true story that caused Clara to lose her life.
Georgia as a character seems to have stabilized from the last book. She's still got her sense of self-importance, but it seems to be tempered with better sense. Though she still does do outlandishly idiotic things, like go chasing after her parent's murder through a busy street without a thought as to what she will do when/if she catches up. Her obsession with her parents' killer is a little annoying at times as she seem to behave like a child throwing a tantrum.
Her foolishness does have consequences which was nice to see while allowing the readers to understand that other characters like Blackford and Phyllida, do have a good head on their shoulders. It was also a nice change of pace that when a character is injured, they are actually injured, and not say, out climbing walls on legs that were broken an hour ago- which definitely does not happen in this book. But Georgia is injured and has to deal with the complications that arise because of it.
The worldbuilding was good. The reader could picture the setting and action as it was taking place and very thankfully the transitions have improved tremendously. There is a much smoother flow between chapters and scene changes compared to the previous book. This makes the storyline much easier to follow and the plot move along nicely.
Overall, this second book definitely surpasses the first in writing and characterization. If one is going to start the series, I would recommend starting here and then going back and reading the previous book if one is interested in the occurrences with the caveat to expect poor, stilted and jarring transitions between scenes and chapters and rather less-than sympathetic Georgia.
In this book, though the overall plot and subplots are interesting. Perhaps most interesting was the dynamic between Kenny and Clara and the motivation for those characters to behave as they did. Although it was a little obvious who the perpetrator was early on as several clues are given, and it just takes Georgia a little longer to come to the conclusion, it was still a fun light read.
September 9, 2024
The Counterfeit Lady #2 by Kate Parker continues to follow the mysteries to be solved by Georgia Fenchurch and the Archivist Society. In this mystery, her close friend Lady Phyllida Monthalf has a cousin Clara who has recently been murdered and her husband Ken is the accused. The household heard scuffles behind closed doors of the study, leaving staff to assume the couple were fighting. When the door opened, Clara was dead and Ken was distraught. Did he really kill his wife? and for what?
Fewer and more rounded characters made this novel a more pleasurable read than #1 in the series. The book was well-paced and brought back charm as well as chivalry from Victorian times. Once again, Georgia spots the man responsible for her parents' deaths and, as in previous novel, the mystery remains unsolved. At least now, the Duke has now declared his romantic interest in Georgia. I guess I may have to read the rest of the series to find out more. Recommended to those who prefer gentle, no gory type of mysteries.
Fewer and more rounded characters made this novel a more pleasurable read than #1 in the series. The book was well-paced and brought back charm as well as chivalry from Victorian times. Once again, Georgia spots the man responsible for her parents' deaths and, as in previous novel, the mystery remains unsolved. At least now, the Duke has now declared his romantic interest in Georgia. I guess I may have to read the rest of the series to find out more. Recommended to those who prefer gentle, no gory type of mysteries.
January 21, 2018
The Counterfeit Lady is the second book in the Victorian Bookshop Mystery series. As with the first book, while I like the authentic Victorian setting, the heroine, Georgia Fenchurch, is not a very likeable or intelligent character, her speech and action are not at all congruent with Victorian-era traits. I have found this to be an unfortunate occurrence with American writers attempting to write British-themed mysteries. The words coming from their characters mouths have an American sensibilities. In this case, it seems as if the author has written herself in the story as Georgia Fenchurch.
However, I loved Emma and Sumner, he is obviously devoted to her. Emma's qualities as a empathetic, intuitive, intelligent human being shines so bright. In fact, I liked all the other characters except the pushy, boorish, insensitive Georgia. She digs and pries into everyone's secrets but keeps information from Lord Blackford. I was especially irritated that she kept Lady's Peters' lie, about the paternity of her son, from Blackford because Georgia decided it was best he did not know. It was amoral and wrong for her to be complicit helping an adulteress' child inherit a title that was not rightfully his. I have no idea why the duke would ever remotely consider a dishonest woman like Georgia as a life partner. She might make for a feisty mistress but never a suitable wife of a duke or member of the peer.
However, since the series is mostly well-edited and easy reading, it's a decent way to spend some time when I'm between books and my library carried all five books in the series. All in all a good deal, no money spent and an okay way to do some weekend binge reading in one of my favorite genres.
However, I loved Emma and Sumner, he is obviously devoted to her. Emma's qualities as a empathetic, intuitive, intelligent human being shines so bright. In fact, I liked all the other characters except the pushy, boorish, insensitive Georgia. She digs and pries into everyone's secrets but keeps information from Lord Blackford. I was especially irritated that she kept Lady's Peters' lie, about the paternity of her son, from Blackford because Georgia decided it was best he did not know. It was amoral and wrong for her to be complicit helping an adulteress' child inherit a title that was not rightfully his. I have no idea why the duke would ever remotely consider a dishonest woman like Georgia as a life partner. She might make for a feisty mistress but never a suitable wife of a duke or member of the peer.
However, since the series is mostly well-edited and easy reading, it's a decent way to spend some time when I'm between books and my library carried all five books in the series. All in all a good deal, no money spent and an okay way to do some weekend binge reading in one of my favorite genres.
August 28, 2024
"The Counterfeit Lady" is a historical mystery set in 1896 in London, England. It's the second book in a series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one. However, there is an ongoing quest for justice throughout the series.
The main characters acted realistically. Georgia is likable, smart, and capable (except when it comes to the handsome duke, who inspires silly, giddy thoughts). Her male colleagues respect her. She asked questions and spotted clues until she figured out where the missing papers were and whodunit. The author captured the time period well in terms of technology and manners.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery.
The main characters acted realistically. Georgia is likable, smart, and capable (except when it comes to the handsome duke, who inspires silly, giddy thoughts). Her male colleagues respect her. She asked questions and spotted clues until she figured out where the missing papers were and whodunit. The author captured the time period well in terms of technology and manners.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery.
July 26, 2018
This series continues to be a light but pleasant read. There isn't much 'mystery' here, or red herrings, but nonetheless it's interesting to follow along as Georgia, Emma, and Phyllida pursue traitors to the realm (with assists from various menfolk). My favorite part of this book is that Phyllida had a more active role in it - it's great to have her rounding out the primary trio. Hopefully Phyllida continues her expanded screentime in the next novel!
I do wish Parker had an expert to look over her text for anachronisms and little mistakes. The characters often sound very modern, and there are more than a few small errors regarding the aristocracy that could be easily corrected.
I do wish Parker had an expert to look over her text for anachronisms and little mistakes. The characters often sound very modern, and there are more than a few small errors regarding the aristocracy that could be easily corrected.
July 4, 2022
Clever and interesting premise for book with a group of friends from a bookstore solving mysteries. Had not read the first one, but this was fascinating! The odd mix of the members of the Archivist society work to figure out who has stolen the new English warship plans, who has killed the bookstore owner cousin, and how many spies from the Continent really want those plans.
I enjoyed the premise and how the different members from different walks of life work together, usually undercover to solve the mysteries. The added improbable romance of the bookstore owner, Georgia and the Duke of Blackford add an surprising element to the mystery.
I enjoyed the premise and how the different members from different walks of life work together, usually undercover to solve the mysteries. The added improbable romance of the bookstore owner, Georgia and the Duke of Blackford add an surprising element to the mystery.
July 20, 2022
This has a lot of strong elements and engaging characters. Something about the early pacing, in particular, again felt a little off to me, though. It's almost like the author doesn't feel entirely confident in her characters and story. Like with the first book, she seems to relax a bit as the story progresses. I wish more editors helped to even out that sort of thing.
That said, I did particularly like the character development in some of the secondary characters. It's really wonderful when you get to see people change across a series -- much rewarding for the reader. I'll be curious to see where she takes Phyllida as the series continues.
That said, I did particularly like the character development in some of the secondary characters. It's really wonderful when you get to see people change across a series -- much rewarding for the reader. I'll be curious to see where she takes Phyllida as the series continues.
February 22, 2018
A fun read with lots of twists and turns, plots running all over the place. I did suspect who it was a bit before the unveiling of the ‘bad guy’ but that did not stop my enjoyment of the story. Emma and Sumner are great together, I really enjoy them. I like the Duke of Blackford and to an extent, Georgia, but she is way pushy, tactless (which I identify with, unfortunately), as well as keeping too many secrets from the Duke. I can understand her desire to be a duchess, but at least she was honest with Blackford in letting him know how she felt.
October 21, 2024
(3.5 stars) This is the second book in the series. The next investigation is about stolen battle plans and a locked room murder where the husband is accused of murdering his wife, but he claims it was the thief that did it. Georgia goes undercover in high society at the side of the Duke to help find out the truth. She must balance her growing feelings for him with the knowledge that their situation is not real. Georgia also continues her search for the killer of her parents and finds some clues that lead her to the trail.
May 17, 2018
Georgia is supposed to be a self-made confidant business woman yet she whines a lot. I really want to like her but she got stuck on 2 thoughts and could never stop repeating them (being away from her business and she could never marry the duke). I enjoyed the mystery. I thought I knew who the killer was but didn't know all the details so it did keep my interest. I will give Georgia another try and hopefully she'll change.
June 25, 2017
Fun in Victorian England
Very fun series..If you like a peek at the ton from a working girls point of view then this series is for you. Georgia is a great character and her friends are very int r resting as well. I can't wait for the next book to see how her romance with the Duke goes as well as the search for her parents killer.
Very fun series..If you like a peek at the ton from a working girls point of view then this series is for you. Georgia is a great character and her friends are very int r resting as well. I can't wait for the next book to see how her romance with the Duke goes as well as the search for her parents killer.
May 3, 2018
Georgia & the Archivist Society succeed again
I enjoyed this book even more than book #1. Can’t wait to read “The Royal Assassin was.”
A lot of characters, a couple times I had to stop and get the characters straight in my head again. That’s probably just my old age.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Victorian suspense/mystery/love story.
I enjoyed this book even more than book #1. Can’t wait to read “The Royal Assassin was.”
A lot of characters, a couple times I had to stop and get the characters straight in my head again. That’s probably just my old age.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a Victorian suspense/mystery/love story.
May 8, 2018
Marvelous traitorous mystery
Victorian England, more Lords and Ladies, Dukes, and Sirs and their ladies, of course, than you can count, and a summer weekend country house party. What more do you need when everyone seems to have secrets ... Great Fun.
Victorian England, more Lords and Ladies, Dukes, and Sirs and their ladies, of course, than you can count, and a summer weekend country house party. What more do you need when everyone seems to have secrets ... Great Fun.
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